Alophia Species, Mexican Pine Woods Lily

Native to the state of Veracruz in Mexico

Did wonderfully with very little irrigation. Produced a succession of blooms from midsummer to early fall. Only possible negative so far...Read More is that the flowers shriveled during the heat of early afternoon. Great for adding the elusive blue to borders.

Update 12/2006: Failed to return this past growing season. I suspect it was the severe drop in temperature last winter when we had two consecutive nights in the lower to mid teens (°F). Probably is a safer choice for zone 8b and warmer.

Update June 7, 2007: Not sure if the drought of last year kept them in total dormancy, despite having occasional irrigation, but I now have two individual plants with foliage emerging. Another slight possibility is that these are seedlings I just hadn't noticed (as they are in the exact spot where the original ones were planted) -- not likely. Am glad to see them back!